Doctorate awarded to Laois Principal

Portlaoise Institute Principal achieves Educational Pinnacle

Portlaoise Institute is proud to announce that its Principal, Keith McClearn, has recently achieved a
significant milestone in his academic and professional career. Keith has recently been awarded an
Educational Doctorate (EdD) in School Leadership from Dublin City University.

Keith has been Principal at Portlaoise Institute since April 2023 and, prior to this, Keith was Deputy
Principal at Portlaoise College. He taught in both the UK and Ireland for 12 years. He gained
qualifications from University College Galway, Sheffield Hallam University and Trinity College Dublin.
He is a native of Galway and went to Portumna Community School.

Under his stewardship as Principal of Portlaoise Institute, the college has seen record numbers
enrolled over the last two years, with over 500 students enrolled in 2024. There has also been a
large investment in facilities such as three new computer rooms, a new hairdressing salon and an
expansion to a second campus to facilitate the growth in numbers of Portlaoise Institute.

Speaking on his achievement Keith said “I would like to thank the staff and management of Laois and
Offaly Education Training Board for their support over the last four years, the organisation has
always been a steadfast champion of staff development and I have received every possible
encouragement and support from them”

“Achieving a doctorate has been a lifelong ambition of mine, my chosen research topic focused on
empowering and encouraging school leaders—an area I am deeply passionate about and one that
aligns with the values we hold at Portlaoise Institute. Leadership in education is essential to creating
environments where both staff and students can excel, and I am committed to fostering that spirit of
leadership within our college”